The practical exam (audition)
For the practical exam we ask you to prepare:
- Two studies in contrasting character (melodic/technical), for instance by Bordogni, Kopprasch, Grigoriev, etc.
- One piece or movement with piano accompaniment. For instance:
- E. Bozza - New Orleans
- J. Koetsier - Allegro Maestoso
- B. Marcello - 6 Sonatas (originally for cello) (first movement)
- P. McCarty - Sonata (first movement)
- G.P. Telemann - Sonata in F minor (originally for bassoon/recorder) (first movement)
- E. Ewazen - Concertino
- A. Lebedev - Concerto no. 1 (first movement)
- E. Sachse - Concertino (first movement)
Works of comparable or higher level are also acceptable.
You might also be asked to participate in a short sight reading test.
The evaluation of the practical part of the entrance exam will be weighed by the following factors:
- musical expression
- technical realisation
- potential
- previous musical education
The combination of these factors is also of essential importance. Not (yet) being able to perform at an optimum standard is therefore in itself not a reason to prevent you from doing an entrance exam.
The theory exam
The theoretical part of the entrance exam consists of three sections: a written aural (hearing) test, singing from sight / performing a rhythm, and a general written theory test. The theory entrance exam is taken before the practical entrance examen.
written aural (hearing) test:
- identification and naming of intervals and triads with inversions
- notating a melodic fragment
- notating a rhythmic fragment
- notating a short two-part fragment
singing/rhythm from sight:
- the prima vista singing of some melodies
- the prima vista performing of some rhythms
general written theory test:
- notation of rhythm and pitch in treble clef and bass clef
- major and minor scales
- intervals and triads with inversions
- dominant seventh chord
Click here for theory exam examples
